Since I was injured during the last period the day before, I hadn’t missed any classes, so I didn’t need to excuse any absence. I didn’t need to go to the office, but instead went to my first-period class, Mr. Hambert’s advanced world history. Everyone was glad to see me, and all wanted to sign my cast. Mr. Hambert got the first chance. A few minutes after class began, one of the office aides came with a hall pass for me, telling me I needed to go to the office. I figured Mr. Walters or someone wanted to talk to me about Dick Winston pushing me down the stairs.
Mr. Walters and Mr. Pierson invited me into Mr. Pierson’s office. “Helen,” said Mr. Ross, “we have a problem. Yesterday, you were dressed inappropriately. Because of that, you fell and nearly suffered a serious injury. To help you learn, and to set an example for others, we are required to suspend you for three days.”
I was shocked. “What about Dick Winston?”
“What about him?” Mr. Pierson asked.
“I didn’t fall; I was pushed. Dick pushed me. I saw him laughing at me afterwards.” I was starting to cry, and I don’t remember what happened much afterwards, except that they wanted me to call Mom at work. I told them they had to call her and explain why I was being suspended. They wouldn’t let me go back to Mr. Hambert’s to get my stuff, but I had Sarah go and get it when she dropped by the office running an errand for Mrs. Byrd, the librarian (Sarah was her aide).
By the time Mom came, Mr. Hambert and his class knew about my suspension, as did Mrs. Byrd and the rest of the library staff. Mr. Hambert was in the office, as first period was over and second period was his prep. Mom was in a rage, but Mr. Hambert restrained her from walking into Mr. Pierson’s office and killing one or both administrators. Mrs. Byrd came in and talked to me. “I don’t know what’s going on,” Mrs. Byrd said, glaring at Mr. Pierson’s door. “Mrs. Ross, let us talk to Mr. Walters and Mr. Pierson. I know that all the teachers here think a lot of Helen and her friends.” Mr. Hambert agreed, and Mom took me home. She called Aunt Rose to come and stay with me the rest of the day.